Milker - Knott Dairy Center

Washington State University; United States; On-site; USD 38,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid sick leave

Vacation leave

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Retirement plan

Deferred compensation

Training & development

Employee tuition waiver

Job summary

Washington State University invites applications for the Milker position at Knott Dairy Center in Pullman, WA. You will milk 150–180 Holstein cows in a double-six herringbone parlor, perform routine maintenance, sanitation, and assist with calving and health checks, while supervising students in milking procedures.

The role requires rotating day/night shifts every three months, strong teamwork, and the ability to manage inventory and support diverse farm operations.

Qualifications

• Two years of farm work or livestock experience, or equivalent education/experience.
• Ability to work rotating day/night shifts every 3 months or as assigned by supervisor.
• Must have or obtain a valid driver’s license by time of hire and meet driving standards.

Responsibilities

• Milking 150–180 Holstein cows in a double-six parlor.
• Perform equipment maintenance and sanitation for milking and milk storage.
• Maintain milking parlor, holding pen, and hospital areas cleanliness.

Skills

Farm work

Livestock care

Teamwork

Flexible hours

Education

Equivalent education/experience

Job description

Available Title(s): 565J-YN_CS_NPS - Farmer 2

Business Title: Milker - Knott Dairy Center

Employee Type: Classified

Position Details: The Opportunity: As the Milker for Knott Dairy Center, you will be responsible for the daily milking of approximately 150 to 180 Holstein cows using a double-six herringbone parlor. In this role, you will perform a variety of operational, maintenance, and animal care duties, including routine daily, weekly, and monthly equipment maintenance; cleaning and maintaining milking and milk storage equipment; and ensuring the cleanliness of the milking parlor, holding pen, and hospital areas. You will manage inventory of parts and supplies related to the milking operation and train and supervise students in proper milking procedures and safe animal handling practices. You will also monitor herd health, identify and treat udder health issues, assist with calving (parturition), and collaborate with research staff to collect milk samples and experimental data. Success in this position requires flexibility, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively as part of a team while supporting a variety of farm operations as needed. The two full-time Milker positions rotate between day and night shifts every three months, or as assigned by the supervisor.

Work Schedule

Day Shift: 5:30 AM – 2:00 PM (1/2-hour unpaid meal break)

Night Shift: 4:00 PM – 12:30 AM (1/2-hour unpaid meal break)

Percentage Breakdown of Job Functions

• 50% Milking & Cow Operations
• 30% Equipment Maintenance
• 10% Sanitation
• 5% Training and Research
• 5% Other

Additional Information

This is a full time (100% FTE), permanent position. This position is overtime eligible. Monthly Salary: $3,403 - $4,517 | Range 37 Steps A - M | Successful candidates are typically hired at the beginning of the salary range and receive scheduled salary increment increases in accordance with WAC 357-28. In accordance with RCW 49.58.110, the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the range is based on the candidate’s current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position.

Benefits

• paid sick and vacation leave
• paid holidays
• medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents
• retirement
• deferred compensation, optional supplemental retirement accounts
• training and development
• employee tuition waiver

For additional information, please review the detailed Summary of Benefits offered by WSU for Classified staff and Total Compensation.

Required Qualifications

Two years of experience in farm work or maintaining livestock; OR equivalent education/experience. Ability to work rotating day/night shifts every 3 months or as assigned by supervisor. Must have, or be able to obtain by time of hire, a valid driver’s license and meet requirements in accordance with SPPM 7.10 and departmental driving standards. Ability to work flexible and extended hours as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in dairy or large animal agriculture. Bachelor’s degree in Animal or Dairy Science. Prior milking experience. Knowledge of sanitation in food processing environments.

Position Sponsorship Eligibility

Not eligible for work visa sponsorship.

Area/College

College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS) Department Name: Animal Sciences

City, State, Zip

Pullman, WA 99164-6310

Background Check

This position has been designated by the department to require a background check because it requires access to children or vulnerable adults as defined by RCW 74.34, engages in law enforcement, requires security clearance, interacts with WSU students in a counseling or advising capacity, has access to personal identifying and/or financial information, unsupervised access to university buildings/property, or other business-related need. A background check will not be completed until an initial determination of qualification for employment has been made.

Time Type: Full time Position Term: 12 Month

WSU encourages all qualified candidates to apply, including members of the military and veterans, and persons with disabilities. WSU employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. WSU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resource Services: 509-335-4521 (v), Washington State TDD Relay Service: Voice Callers: 1-800-833-6384; TDD Callers: 1-800-833-6388, 509-335-1259(f), or [e-mail].

WSU is Washington's land-grant university with campuses located in Everett, Pullman, Spokane, Tri-Cities, and Vancouver. Additionally, research centers are located throughout the state, extension offices are located in every county in Washington, and online degree programs are offered worldwide. WSU employees promote academic excellence and innovative research that serves the state, nation, and world. With a focus on innovation, excellence, and accountability, continual enhancement of research and educational endeavors are at the core of WSU's strategic priorities. See here for additional information about WSU's statewide locations. View the HRS Benefits website for details on competitive benefits available.

In matters of admission, employment, housing or services, or in the educational programs or activities it operates, WSU does not discriminate or permit discrimination by any member of its community against any individual on the basis of sex, race, color, national or ethnic origin, physical disability, mental disability, sensory disability, use of a trained service animal, age, religion, creed, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, honorably discharged veteran, member of the military, or immigration or citizenship status except as authorized by federal or state law, regulation, or government contract. Inquiries about the application of federal and state laws and regulations (including inquiries regarding the application of Title IX, ADA/Section 504, and implementing regulations), as well as reports and complaints of discrimination and harassment, can be made verbally or in writing to WSU's Compliance and Civil Rights, the Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights, or both.

In matters of admission, employment, housing or services, or in the educational programs or activities it operates, WSU does not discriminate or permit discrimination by any member of its community against any individual on the basis of sex, race, color, national or ethnic origin, physical disability, mental disability, sensory disability, use of a trained service animal, age, religion, creed, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, honorably discharged veteran, member of the military, or immigration or citizenship status except as authorized by federal or state law, regulation, or government contract. Inquiries about the application of federal and state laws and regulations (including inquiries regarding the application of Title IX, ADA/Section 504, and implementing regulations), as well as reports and complaints of discrimination and harassment, can be made verbally or in writing to WSU's Compliance and Civil Rights, the Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights, or both.